Arsenal vs Liverpool live: Premier League team news and line-ups as Gunners face huge test

Doubts surround Hugo Ekiteke’s involvement on Thursday as the French striker battles a hamstring issue. Alexander Isak is a long-term absentee, while Mohamed Salah is still away on international duty with Egypt.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Jones; Wirtz, Gakpo

Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are Mikel Arteta’s only confirmed absentees, after Declan Rice returned so impressively against Bournemouth.

Bukayo Saka is likely to start, having come off the bench against the Cherries.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT.

A live stream will be available via Sky Go or NOW.

Arsenal vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Thursday 8 January at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are riding high at the top of the table after beating Bournemouth 3-2 in their last outing, with Declan Rice scoring twice. The Gunners are on a five-match win streak in the league since their loss to Aston Villa at the start of December.

Liverpool have not won in their last two matches, after being held at home to Leeds and then away at Fulham after Harrison Reed’s sensational stoppage-time equaliser. The Reds are 14 points behind Mikel Arteta’s side.

Dominik Szoboszlai made the difference the last time these two met, back in August at Anfield, with his stunning free-kick securing a 1-0 win for Arne Slot’s side.

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Arsenal play host to Liverpool.

This is a big clash at the top of the table and one which could see the Gunners begin to pull away from the competition as their hunt for their first league title in over 20 years.

Mikel Arteta’s men have a five point lead over Man City in second and could extend that to eight should they defeat their close rivals Liverpool at the Emirates tonight.

Kick off for this one is at 8pm so stick with us as we build-up to this blockbuster clash.